When you reach the Pailon del Diabolo in Baños, Ecuador, there is a sign that says “Estas preparado para una sorpresa? Dios existe! ” (“Are you ready for a suprise? God exists! ), and truly when you get the first glimps of the beautiful sight of this place, you will think there must be some kind of god creating such incredible nature!
The Pailon del Diabolo (translated the devil’s cauldron) is situated about 30 minutes out of the city of Baños in the direction of Puyo. It can only be reached by foot, so bring your hiking shoes! To get to the trail leading down to the waterfall you can either take a bus, a cab, or how I did it, rent a bike and drive there yourself (there are many bike trails and this way you get to enjoy the beautiful environment in the best way possible). Once you reached the trail it will take you about 20 minutes to the waterfall. The hike leads you through the flora and fauna of the region and you may even see some animals like big butterflies or exotic birds.
Coming closer to the Pailon del Diabolo you will already start hearing the thunderous cascade. The waterfall is about 100 meter high and is incredibly powerful and impressive. The great thing is that you can not only see the waterfall from the distance but you can come really close to the water by taking stairs up or down (to get really close to the waterfall you need to pay a little entrance fee, but it is only $1, 50). If you go down you can get closer to the water pool of the waterfall, where you can literally feel the power of the huge amounts of water coming down from the Pailon del Diabolo. If you go up the stairs you can reach the top of the waterfall. You might have to get on your knees though, cause part of the way leads through a tight path through the rocks. But the climbing is worth it, on top you can even go behind the waterfall. Definitely be sure to put on clothes that can get wet because there is one thing I can tell you for sure: if you want it or not, you will get wet sooner or later!
Close to the Pailon del Diabolo there is a big suspension bridge over the river which leads to a cute wooden house where they offer food and drinks. From the bridge you get an amazing view on the waterfall and the surrounding!
The Pailon del Diabolo is the most impressive and visited cascade around Baños, but it is by far not the only one. The area is full of beautiful nature and waterfalls. So if you are in the area also check out some of the others, a great way to do it is by doing the waterfall tour, which you can do by bike. It is about 17km and leads you past all of the beautiful waterfalls of the surrounding, including the Pailon del Diabolo.
It is definitely a place to remember, and the way how close you can come to the water makes it a unique experience for sure! Come and explore, get soaked and marvel at the power of nature.
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